Garrett Literature Section:

The Garrett Turbocharger - A guide to Garrett Turbos: Theory of Operation, Troubleshooting, and Failure Analysis.

Garrett Turbocharging Systems - A guide to understanding Garrett Charge-Air Systems: All the Fundamentals

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Common Causes of Turbocharger Failure

• Contaminated oil
• Dirty oil
• Lack of lubrication
• Low oil pressure
• Kinks in the oil inlet lines
• Clogs in the oil inlet line
• Plugged air cleaners
• Collapsing hose connections
• Undersized air pipes
• Prolonged engine idling
• Over-fueling
• Hot engine shut-down
• Improperly installed gaskets
• Nuts & washers dropped into exhaust system

Preventing Turbo Failure

• Keep clean oil in engine
• Keep the air filter clean and unrestricted
• The duct work from the air cleaner should be free of holes
• The duct work connections should be tight to prevent leaks
• Warm up the engine for two to five minutes prior to throttling up
• Let engine idle for approximately 2 minutes prior to engine shut down

Installation Checklist

1. Pre-installation
   • Service air cleaners and eliminate all restrictions and leaks.
   • BEFORE installing this turbocharger inspect and remove all foreign material from air inlet ducting and intake and exhaust manifolds.
   • Replace all oil pressure and drain lines which are kinked, broken or heat worn. On all automotive turbochargers, the oil inlet line/tube must be replaced. Change engine oil filters if contaminated.
   • Replace all contaminated crankcase and compressor filters.
2. Installation
   • Mount turbocharger and exhaust manifold using new gasket and anti-seize compound on studs and bolts.
   • Inspect exhaust system. Remove any restrictions which might cause excessive back pressure before connecting to turbocharger.
   • Attach oil inlet line to turbocharger.
   • Align bearing housing drain hole to not more than 30° from vertical center position.
   • Tighten clamps, capscrews or nuts to recommended specifications.
   • Connect air pipage system to turbocharger.
3. Pre-lubrication
   • BEFORE ATTACHING oil drain line to turbocharger CRANK ENGINE until oil flows from oil drain hole in bearing housing. DO NOT START ENGINE.
   • Attach oil drain line to turbocharger.
4. Operation
   • Idle engine for 5 minutes. DO NOT REV. Check all systems for oil, air or exhaust leaks.
   • Always have operator IDLE ENGINE for 3 MINUTES PRIOR TO SHUTDOWN for longer turbocharger life